CRCST Exam Prep 2026

One of the three largest sections (21%) of the official CRCST outline. Covers PPE requirements for the decontamination area, point-of-use pre-treatment, manual cleaning techniques, ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, and disinfection levels (low, intermediate, high). Key facts: SPD technicians must wear full PPE including eye protection, face mask, liquid-resistant gown, and heavy-duty puncture-resistant gloves in the decontamination area. Water temperature for manual cleaning should not exceed 100°F (38°C) — hot water sets protein soils. Enzymatic detergents must be diluted per manufacturer IFU.

Covers tray assembly, instrument inspection, packaging materials, and labeling requirements. Woven textile wraps must be laundered and inspected for holes before every use. Non-woven (SMS) wraps are single-use. Peel pouches must be heat-sealed — no staples, paper clips, or tape. Rigid sterilization containers must have validated filter retention systems and intact locks. All packages must be labeled with date, sterilizer number, load number, and expiration date. Items in packaging must have space for steam/agent penetration.

Covers all sterilization modalities and their parameters. Steam (autoclave) is the method of choice for heat-stable items. EO is used for heat- and moisture-sensitive items but requires mandatory 8–12 hour aeration to off-gas toxic residuals. Hydrogen peroxide plasma (STERRAD) is fast (~55 min) but incompatible with liquids, cellulose (paper), and long narrow lumens. Low-temperature steam with formaldehyde (LTSF) is used in some facilities. Flash sterilization (IUSS — Immediate Use Sterilization) is only for emergencies when there is insufficient time for standard processing.

Covers sterile storage conditions, shelf life, event-related sterility, case cart systems, and loaner instrument management. Sterile items should be stored in a clean, dry area away from sinks and floor traffic. Temperature should be 64–75°F (18–24°C) with 30–60% relative humidity. Event-related sterility means a package remains sterile unless an event compromises it (damage, moisture, opening). Sterile items should not be stored on the floor or near exterior walls.

Covers biological indicators (BIs), chemical indicators (CIs), Bowie-Dick test, and documentation. BIs contain spores — Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam and H2O2 plasma, Bacillus atrophaeus for EO. BIs must run with every EO load, every implant load (implant quarantined until BI confirms negative), and at minimum weekly for steam. A failed BI requires immediate notification of infection control and recall of all affected loads. Bowie-Dick tests verify adequate air removal in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers and must run daily before the first load.

Covers inventory management, OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards, staff competencies, documentation, and regulatory compliance. SPD must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens Standard), requiring exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination availability, and post-exposure follow-up. Documentation requirements include sterilization load records, maintenance logs, and competency records for all staff. This domain is the smallest on the exam but tests regulatory knowledge that crosses into other domains.

What is the CRCST exam?

The CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) exam is administered by HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association). It certifies sterile processing department (SPD) technicians who decontaminate, sterilize, and distribute surgical instruments in hospitals and surgical centers. The exam has 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored) with a 3-hour limit. HSPA scores it pass/fail on the number of scored questions answered correctly and does not publish a percentage passing score.

Is the CRCST exam pass/fail?

Yes. The CRCST exam is scored pass/fail on the number of scored questions (125 of 150) you answer correctly. HSPA does not publish a percentage passing score or the number of correct answers needed to pass.

How many questions are on the CRCST exam?

The CRCST exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions: 125 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions. HSPA's content outline has seven sections: Departmental Considerations (15%), Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection (21%), Preparation and Packaging (21%), Sterilization Process (21%), Sterile Storage, Transport and Inventory Management (9%), Patient Care Equipment and Distribution (5%), Professional Development and Human Relation Skills (8%). HSPA does not publish the number of correct answers needed to pass.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CRCST exam?

HSPA requires 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience (paid or volunteer). You can complete them in the 5 years before you apply for full certification, or pass the exam first and complete the hours within 6 months to keep provisional CRCST status.

What sterilization parameters are on the CRCST exam?

The CRCST exam tests exact sterilization parameters: Steam gravity displacement (250°F/121°C, 15 psi, 30 minutes), Steam pre-vacuum/dynamic (270°F/132°C, 27 psi, 4 minutes), Flash/IUSS gravity (270°F/132°C, 3 minutes unwrapped). Ethylene oxide (EO): 37–55°C, 2–6 hour cycle, 8–12 hour aeration. Hydrogen peroxide plasma (STERRAD): ~50°C, 55 minutes, incompatible with liquids and cellulose.

How long does it take to study for the CRCST exam?

Most candidates spend 8–10 weeks studying for the CRCST exam while working in a central service department. Study sessions of 30–45 minutes daily are more effective than weekend cramming. Focus the first half on decontamination and sterilization parameters (each 21% of the official content outline, alongside preparation and packaging), then shift to packaging, storage, quality assurance, and administration.